“Luke 1: Two Miraculous Births Foretold,” New Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2003)
“Luke 1,” New Testament Student Study Guide
Two Miraculous Births Foretold
In Luke 1 , two women who would normally not have children found out that through God’s miracle they would each bear a son. One of these women was considered too old to have children and the other was a young woman, a virgin, who had not yet married. As you read this chapter, look to see who those women were, who their children would be, and why special note is made of these births.
Course (vv. 5, 8 )
Barren (v. 7 )
Well stricken in years (vv. 7, 18 )
Executed (v. 8 )
Lot (v. 9 )
Beckoned (v. 22 )
Days of his ministration were accomplished (v. 23 )
Conceived (vv. 24, 36 )
Reproach (v. 25 )
Espoused (v. 27 )“Understanding the Scriptures” for Matthew 1:18–19, p. 10)
Cast in her mind (v. 29 )
Salutation (vv. 29, 41, 44 )
Fruit of thy womb (v. 42 )
Low estate (v. 48 )
Circumcise (v. 59 )“circumcision” (p. 646)
Horn of salvation (v. 69 )
Dayspring (v. 78 )
Theophilus was a friend to whom Luke wrote this Gospel. He was probably a Gentile who was either a member of the Church or was studying about it, and Luke wanted him to have the truth (see Luke 1:3–4 ).
Elias was an Old Testament prophet. The Prophet Joseph Smith explained, “The spirit of Elias is to prepare the way for a greater revelation of God, which is the Priesthood … that Aaron was ordained unto” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 335). John the Baptist filled this role in every way. He held the Aaronic priesthood and he prepared the way for the greater teachings and ordinances that would come from Jesus Christ.
See “Gabriel” in the Bible Dictionary (p. 676).
Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua or Jeshua. It means “God is help” or “Savior” (see Bible Dictionary, “Jesus,” p. 713).
Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua or Jeshua. It means “God is help” or “Savior” (see Bible Dictionary, “Jesus,” p. 713).
Do activity A as you study Luke 1 .
Two Miraculous Births
Make the following chart in your notebook and complete it with information you find in Luke 1 .
Scripture reference for the story
Luke 1:1–25
Luke 1:26–38
What were the names of the parents?
How did they know they were going to have a baby?
How did they react to the news that was given them?
Why was the birth considered a miracle?
What did they name the baby?
Where did they get the name?
What would be the special mission of this baby as he grew older?